In the records of my school days, the narrative of academic excellence was not one I was naturally inclined to claim. My position in the ranks of the academically gifted was modest at best. After completing my sixth-grade endeavours, I found myself in the thirteenth position, far from the top, and my trial examination resulted in only two A grades. However, Mathematics was an exception, a subject where I had some mastery amidst a sea of mediocrity.
The blessing of all A grades during the UPSR examinations held significant importance for me, as it allowed me to continue my education within the esteemed walls of the Asrama, an opportunity I highly valued.
The awakening of my academic potential became evident during the initial monthly assessments. I had, as was customary, approached my preparations diligently, studying reference materials and revisiting my notes. Yet, when the results were revealed, they exceeded my expectations. While I didn't achieve a perfect eight A grades, I found myself in the upper echelons. My classmate, Bel, had a similar performance, sharing in the accolades of success. I was overjoyed, as this marked the first time I had achieved such a milestone.
Following this academic ascent, I began to contemplate the origins of this newfound success. The self-image I had developed had rarely aligned with that of an exceptional student, making this transformation deeply perplexing. If I were to recount this transformation to my elementary school friends, they would likely find it unbelievable.
With this academic resurgence, I noticed an improvement in my overall scholastic abilities, both within the school and in supplementary tuition. Except for my persistent struggle with English, I experienced a noticeable upward trend. English continued to be a challenging subject, seeming insurmountable. Yet, many of my peers within the Asrama shared my difficulties, as only a few of us could claim proficiency in the English language.
Much like my experiences in elementary school, I took great pride in my proficiency in mathematics. From Form 1 onwards, I remained committed, maintaining a flawless record of A grades. I began to see divine benevolence in my mathematical prowess, recognizing that it wasn't just a standalone achievement but a harbinger of success in other areas.
Alongside my academic ascension, I noticed a subtle change in how my peers perceived me. Despite this, I remained steadfast in my principles and resolute in my path, immune to the influence of popular opinion.
Among the many acquaintances I made in the Asrama, a select few left indelible impressions on my soul. These individuals, with their unwavering camaraderie, provided crucial support during a time when I had no remarkable attributes. Their authenticity was evident in their constant presence, a topic I will explore in future chapters.
Despite the fluctuating opinions and pressures related to academic success, I paid little attention to the perceptions of others. My focus was solely on continuing my journey within the Asrama.
My interactions with Encik Hussin, though infrequent, were marked by a modicum of respect. My personal record remained impeccable, free from homework negligence, locker disorder, or disciplinary issues. Additionally, my academic achievements shielded me from many of the challenges that befell my peers. In the grand tapestry of my life in the Asrama, I navigated the turbulent waters with poise and grace.
However, there was an instance when I found myself on the receiving end of Encik Hussin's reprimand. It occurred on a weekend evening, during prep class, a time dedicated to academic work. As per my routine, I settled into a desk at the back of the classroom, adjacent to the waiting room.
While revising my lessons, I idly engaged in a skill I had mastered - twirling my pen - a talent that had garnered admiration from my peers. Little did I know that this seemingly innocuous act had captured the attention of none other than Encik Hussin himself.
Suddenly, his voice broke the silence, instructing me to stop my activity and focus on reading a book. I was astonished because this marked the first time Encik Hussin had personally reprimanded me. My heart raced, knowing well the notorious reputation that preceded him. Fortunately, his reprimand did not escalate further, as he simply directed me to cease.
While I felt relief for avoiding more severe punishments like caning or extended scolding, this incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life within the Asrama.
Through determination and grit, I managed to navigate the complex aspects of Asrama life. I had grown accustomed to its strict rules and had emerged undaunted. Despite Encik Hussin's exacting standards, I remained composed, and reprimands and chastisements, even in front of my peers, no longer fazed me. My academic diligence and hard-earned achievements served as my armor in times of trouble.
No comments:
Post a Comment